Abstract: A combined cutting blade and heat bar for use with a vacuum packaging device having a lid for sealing over the cavity of a base is disclosed. The cutting blade and heat bar are connected to one another and movable via a single actuating mechanism mounted to the lid. In use, in one step the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar unheated and the cutting element cuts slits in the bag for evacuation of the air. After air evacuation, the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar heated, melting the bag closed behind the slitted area of the bag.

Abstract: A brush chipping machine having an in-line, direct drive connection between the engine drive shaft and the rotor shaft which carries the chipping mechanism. The direct drive system allows the engine and chipping mechanism to be arranged side by side for a more compact configuration of the equipment. Belt drives and the associated maintenance and safety problems are avoided. The feed table and feed chute through which brush is fed to the chipper mechanism can be located close to the curb side of the machine for enhanced convenience and safety.

Abstract: A concrete saw is provided having an engine aligned along a longitudinal axis of the saw frame to minimize the width of the saw and provide a more balanced system. A clutch assembly is attached to a forward end of the engine to disengage the saw blade without stopping the engine. A right angle gear box is provided proximate the driven side of the clutch assembly to transfer driving rotational forces from the engine to a transversely aligned driven shaft. The driven shaft includes drive pulleys mounted upon opposite ends thereof, which are aligned with driven pulleys mounted upon opposite ends of a blade support shaft and linked to one another via multiple belts. This alignment evenly balances the load transfer while facilitating the use of vibration isolators between the engine, gear box and frame. A hydraulically controlled depth stop mechanism is included for setting a maximum cut depth. The engine speed is controlled by an electronic governor.

Abstract: An electro-optical display device having an improved connector arrangement. The display device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in commons and segments, with a lead trace associated with each commons and with each segment. These lead traces extend outward from an endmost commons to an edge of the device for subsequent connection to driving apparatus. The set of leads associated with the set of commons extends normally from such set of commons to the proximate edge of the device. The remaining set of leads, associated with the segments, is provided with lead traces which are redirected to also extend towards this same side of the device. As such, all leads for the device are accessible on a single side of the device. This may be accomplished by dividing the remaining set of commons in half, with each of these half-sets of leads being directed to a location on an associated side of the initial leads for the first set of commons.

Abstract: An apparatus for supportably attaching a leg rest to a wheel chair comprising at least one seat frame member and a telescoping linkage slidably received within the seat frame member such that the linkage may be retracted and extended along a telescoping path parallel to a length of the seat frame member. The leg rest is supportably and pivotally attached to a forward end of the telescoping linkage at a hinge point wherein the hinge point is positioned proximate the knee of the user. The leg rest may be pivoted about the hinge point upward to a generally reclined horizontal position when the telescoping linkage is extended and downward to a generally vertical position when the telescoping linkage is retracted.

Abstract: A gaming chip having an edge insert, and a gaming chip fabrication process, the edge insert having an opening for receiving molding compound. A gaming chip has a core element, such as a substantially flat ring or disc. A plastic edge insert, having a face with an opening therein, is positioned at the edge of the core element. Molding compound, of a color different that the plastic edge insert, is formed around the core element and within the opening of the plastic edge insert to thereby create a complex, interesting, or distinctive visual appearance at the edge of the gaming chip. Multiple embodiments for releasably orienting the edge insert on the core element, prior to forming molding compound about the core element, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the gaming chip has multiple plastic edge inserts positioned at equally spaced intervals about the gaming chip.

Abstract: A non-round convolute paperboard container comprising a closed bottom and an upstanding continuous sidewall which together form a main storage cavity for storing goods. The container includes a closure lid which forms a lid compartment for separately storing goods apart from goods stored in the main cavity. The closure lid may take the form of a recessed well, a dome cover or a combination of the two. The container when viewed transversely of its longitudinal axis is curvilinear oblong or oval in shape such that oblong objects such as serving utensils or marketing toys can be stored within the lid compartment.

Abstract: A convolute paperboard container comprising a closed bottom, and an upstanding continuous sidewall extending from the bottom and terminating in an upper rim. The container when viewed transversely of its longitudinal axis is curvilinear oblong or oval in shape such that the sidewall comprises broad front and back panels connected by curved side panels of a reduced radius of curvature. A side seam extending vertically from the bottom of the container to its upper rim is positioned along the sidewall in an offset position such that a major portion of the front and back sidewall panels remains uninterrupted by the side seam for purposes of displaying marketing and/or instructional indicia.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve, preferably made of plastic, adapted to slidably receive and engage the outer sidewall of a container such as a cup. The sleeve is comprised of a plurality of concentric ring-like bands aligned one above the other and connected so as to form a unitary sleeve by peripheral ridges extending from the bottom edge of one band to the top edge of the next adjacent band. The sleeve is configured such that the top edge of each band rests in abutting engagement or contact with the sidewall when fitted around the container, with the remainder of the band and the associated ridge being located remote from contact with the container sidewall. A circular void or channel is thereby formed around the container between portions of the sleeve and the sidewall within an area defined by the top edges of adjoining bands. Heat or cold emanating from the container is accumulated within these channels and vented out the top of the sleeve via a series of notched vents provided within the top edge of each band.

Abstract: A collector plate (10) for an electrostatic precipitator is provided. Collector plate (10) has end portions (12) which are substantially symmetrical about the plane of the collector plate (10). Each end portion (12) is preferably polygonal and has a substantially unobstructed interior. Dimples (80) may be located in end portions (12) to improve rigidity of the plate. Collector plate (10) yields better precipitation results because of the minimal or nonexistent deflection of plate (10) into voltage discharge regions surrounding electrodes (36) within the precipitator. Precipitation results are further improved because power input to the precipitator is not limited by an instable electric field resulting from irregularities in the surface of plate (10).

Abstract: An ergonomic and weatherproof hand-held electronic device 10. The device 10 includes a housing 12 which surrounds internal electronics. An input 28 and a display screen 32 are mounted on the housing 12. The housing 12 is has a narrow width such that, when held in a hand, the thumb of that same hand may extend fully across the input 28 for full access. The display screen 32 is mounted vertically below the input 28 such that the device may be more stable and more easily grasped. The device includes two cylindrical cavities 48 to receive batteries 42. The cavities 48 are located at the rear vertical edges of the housing such that the rear of the housing 12 is relatively rounded and thus easier to grasp. The battery cavities open to the exterior of the housing. A battery cover 54 is mounted to the housing and seals the cavities 48. A contact for each cavity 48 is located on the cover, and a bus bar extends between the contacts to complete the circuit between the batteries 42.

Abstract: A drum mixer is provided with a rotatable cylinder in which aggregates, reclaimed asphalt pavement and liquid asphalt are mixed to produce an asphaltic composition. The drum cylinder includes a first region, in which virgin aggregate is heated and dried by heat radiation and the stream of hot gases produced by a burner flame flowing in countercurrent flow to the aggregate itself to establish a highly beneficial heat transfer relationship. A second region doubles as combustion and mixing zones. In the mixing zone the reclaimed asphalt pavement and liquid asphalt is added and mixed with the aggregates. The combustion zone is formed along the center of the mixing zone by an elongated combustion assembly disposed along the central axis thereof. The combustion assembly and chamber extend from the discharge end of the drum through the mixing zone to the heating and drying zone to segregate the hot gases from the asphalt, thereby preventing degradation of the final product.

Abstract: A toaster having a movable bakery product shield for enhanced toasting quality. A wide slot cavity to receive bakery goods for toasting is defined on one side thereof by an upstanding, stationary product retainer spaced apart from a heating element and, on the other side thereof, by a movable product retainer having a deflector shield connected along its upper edge. Interiorally of the toaster, a carriage mechanism is mounted on an end wall for vertical reciprocal movement between an up position and a down position. Connected to the carriage mechanism and extending longitudinally through the slot cavity is a bread support shelf which is inclined toward the stationary product retainer to cause the lower edge of a bread slice placed in the toaster slot to engage the stationary product retainer.

Abstract: A beverage container for accommodating drink cup holders which vary in size. The container has a large diameter upper portion which presents a large capacity and a small diameter lower portion connected with the upper portion by a shoulder. The lower portion fits in a cup holder and has projecting fins which are triangular. The fins extend along the lower cup portion on one side, along the shoulder on another side and may contact the wall of the drink holder on the third side. The fins are flexible and are offset from a radial orientation so that they can contact the drink holder wall with sufficient force to hold the cup in a stable position.

Abstract: A method of plugging holes, in particular the plugging of drill holes in the earth. The method utilizes a tubular capsule filled with coarse ground sodium bentonite. The capsule, when inserted into the hole, sinks through any mud or slurry material within the hole to rest at the bottom of the hole. If the hole is filled with overly dense material, a rod may be used to force the capsules to the bottom of the hole. The capsule is constructed of a water soluble material and includes a plurality of slots cut along its exterior wall to facilitate expansion and to allow liquid to easily permeate the container. A plastic cap on its upper end allows rods to be forced thereagainst to push the capsule downward without puncturing the capsule. Alternatively, layers of sand may be interspersed with layers of bentonite nodules.